The I-538 form allows foreign students attending American universities on an F-1 visa to pursue off-campus work within their respective field. The form certifies that the job pursued is within the realm of that field and enables the student to apply.
To apply for work using the I-538 form, a student must have his F-1 visa. Required information includes the student's admission number, educational pursuit and a description of the proposed job's relation to the student's field of study.
The form must be completed in its entirety and certified by the designated school official. The school official must also certify that the employment is related to the student's field of study.
Once certified, the document must be sent to ACS Students/Schools (STSC) Section, P.O. Box 170, London, KY 40742, for processing.